If you think some people are born with high self-esteem and others are not, think again. Self-esteem is a narrative, a story you’ve created in your mind. It’s simply how you’re feeling in the moment, and you have the power within you to shift that feeling. Here are five practices you can do to shift your feelings and build your self-esteem.
First, find (and surround yourself with) your people. Having people around you who admire and respect you, who support and raise you up, and who will be there to encourage you to become your best self plays a huge part in your sense of belonging and connectedness, not just with yourself but with others and within the world, you live.
Secondly, showcases your unique talents. Spending time doing the things you most enjoy and that you effortlessly excel at can bring you a great deal of joy. Taking it a step further, showcasing those talents can give your self-esteem a huge boost.
Number three: find yourself through a daily meditation practice. Meditation affords you a glimpse into deeper aspects of yourself; who you are, what you want, and your dharma(your purpose in life). When you’re at peace with yourself, it becomes easier to feel confident in yourself.
The fourth tip is to get moving! If you’ve ever had a solid workout, whether it’s in the gym or in the great outdoors, you’re probably familiar with that energized feeling you have afterward. This feeling comes from endorphins, which can inspire creativity, enhance mental clarity, and boost self-confidence.
Number five: perform random acts of kindness. It may seem strange that being kind to others builds your own self-esteem, but when you are able to positively influence another person, it can generate a sense of appreciation of yourself for being that person.